Pilgrims on the Move in Jonglei State
Hundreds of congregants left Langkien, the administrative hub of Nyirol County, early Wednesday en route to a regional church conference in Motot, Uror County.
Organisers say the annual Christian Temple gathering aims to promote reconciliation among Jonglei’s fractured communities through prayer and dialogue.
Ambush Near Tut Payam
At 9 a.m., gunmen emerged near Tut Payam and opened fire to halt the convoy, according to Commissioner Peter Gatkuoth Koang.
Witnesses report that a boy and a girl, both under two years, were snatched from their mothers while other worshippers, mostly women and children, were ordered to the ground.
No fatalities were recorded, and the assailants quickly withdrew toward the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, locals say.
Community Mobilises for Rescue
Unarmed, the pilgrims could not retaliate, but youth in Langkien mobilised once alerted, pursuing the suspected abductors along bush tracks.
Community leaders describe the pursuit as a rescue mission rather than revenge, emphasising the children’s safe return as the priority.
Officials Trade Statements
Commissioner Gatkuoth blamed “Murle criminals” for the raid, a term commonly used by Jonglei officials when attacks originate from the Pibor area.
Greater Pibor Information Minister Jacob Werchum Jouk denied knowledge, urging evidence before attributing responsibility and noting numerous armed groups operate across state borders.
Security Concerns Persist
Child abductions have long complicated relations between Nuer communities of Jonglei and Murle clans of Pibor, fueling cycles of reprisal and mistrust.
Civil society activists warn that persistent impunity risks undermining recent local peace dialogues sponsored by church leaders and international partners.
State authorities say coordination with the GPAA and national security organs will intensify to trace the children and deter future ambushes along the Langkien-Motot corridor.